Irrigation calculations?
 

Is there any reputable calculation on the amount of water a large indeterminate plant needs a day assuming no rainfall?

Last year it rained enough that I didn't need much supplemental irrigaton. This year it has rained less than 2"

I installed a drip system and at this time my plants that have been in the ground for 3 weeks are getting a quart a day. WHen I return home in 2 weeks If the plants are sgnificantly larger I plan on doubling the amount of water per day every 2 weeks until I get to a gallon a day per plant. I think for most plants deep infrequent watering will develop deep roots, but for my tomatoes I think I will try the evenly moist method to reduce stress and maximixe yields.

Anyone know if my water use estimates are close to replace water used by growing tomato plants? It doesn't look like much rain is coming this year.

There may be, but I am not aware of any.

I think it would not be that easy to have a formular because of to many variables:

1. temperature.
2. porousity of soil (perculation index).
3. atmospheric humidity.
4. wind speed (Reynold's Number)
5. variety of plant.

dcarch

With all of these variables I think I will stick with the finger deep moisture meter.

[quote=bryanccfshr;94198]With all of these variables I think I will stick with the [COLOR=red][B]finger[/B][/COLOR] deep moisture meter.[/quote]

I think you got the idea.

"Digital" meter is quite reliable :yes:

dcarch